If Week 1 was misleading, Week 2 delivered a dose of reality for several NFL teams — and not all of them liked what they saw. Green Bay snapped a six-game skid but needed overtime to get past the Jets, while the defending champion Seattle Seahawks rolled again (with Sam Darnold at the helm) to extend a franchise-best, league-leading streak to 12 games. The weekend’s biggest developments, though, were the serious injuries to the top two picks from the 2024 draft: Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Jayden Daniels (elbow) both had to be carted off. How long those quarterbacks remain sidelined could shape the rest of the 2026 season for the Commanders and Bears.
The Cowboys Are Back
After dropping a road game to the Giants, Dallas bounced back at home against Washington. Dak Prescott had a strong day (279 yards, four TDs) and CeeDee Lamb was dominant with 153 receiving yards and two scores. A revitalized Cowboys defense under new coordinator Christian Parker also held Washington to modest passing production. Still, Washington’s offense was hampered by Daniels’ exit — and even with that, the Commanders produced 182 rushing yards — so one solid showing doesn’t prove Dallas is a bona fide contender. Their Week 3 matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will be a much clearer test.
Conclusion: Overreaction
The Chargers Will Miss the Playoffs
Los Angeles came into Week 2 as a trendy Super Bowl pick but fell at home to the Raiders, repeating a 26-14 defeat. Turnovers were a major issue — six fumbles for the Chargers — and Justin Herbert struggled, finishing with 192 passing yards, one TD and two picks. New coordinator Mike McDaniel and Herbert haven’t clicked yet, and the defense looks different without ex-coordinator Jesse Minter. Jim Harbaugh acknowledged the team has work to do, and with a brutal upcoming stretch that includes several last-season playoff teams plus Kansas City, the Chargers’ mettle will be tested.
Conclusion: Not an overreaction
The Chiefs Are the AFC’s Top Team
Kansas City has put a disappointing 6-11 season behind them and sit 2-0 after an overtime win over Indianapolis. Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns, reconnecting with Travis Kelce, while Kenneth Walker III posted another 100-yard game on the ground. Kansas City’s defense also made timely plays to preserve the victory, continuing the team’s balanced start.
Conclusion: Overreaction
That said, the Buffalo Bills have also looked elite through two weeks and may be the more complete roster at the moment; the Chiefs-Bills matchup on Thanksgiving will be a better measuring stick.
Improved Defense Makes Bengals a Super Bowl Threat
Cincinnati’s 2-0 start continued with a convincing win over Houston, and the club’s offseason defensive upgrades are already showing. With additions like Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook, the Bengals held the Texans to six points despite C.J. Stroud throwing 55 passes. If that defensive stinginess holds, the Burrow–Chase–Higgins offense gives Cincinnati a legitimate long-shot to reach — and possibly win — the Super Bowl.
Conclusion: Not an overreaction
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is Carrying the Seahawks
Smith-Njigba produced a highlight-filled outing against Arizona — including an 82-yard touchdown on a deep ball and a 45-yard game-changing score earlier in the season — finishing Week 2 with nine catches for 155 yards and three TDs. He’s leading the league in receiving yards and is tied for most receiving TDs, all while Seattle can be cautious with Darnold’s glute injury. Smith-Njigba’s performance has kept Seattle’s offense humming even with questions at quarterback.
Conclusion: Not an overreaction
Vikings Defense Dominates the Bears
Despite a steady rain at Soldier Field, Minnesota’s defense, led by coordinator Brian Flores, stifled Caleb Williams and Chicago’s high-powered offense, limiting the Bears to just three points. The Vikings also contained Chicago’s top rushing duo — D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai — holding them to a combined 92 yards. Minnesota’s defense showed it can carry games and cemented its place atop the NFC North.
Conclusion: Not an overreaction
Fan take: These Week 2 results matter because injuries to franchise quarterbacks and sudden defensive breakouts can reshape playoff races and team strategies overnight. Fans should watch how teams adapt — which backups step up, which coaches adjust — because those responses will define the narrative for the rest of the season.
Source: www.foxsports.com
